Law Firms Eye K Street As Lobby Work Booms

The Obama administration's ambitious first year in office has created a boom in lobby revenue for law firms, as more corporate clients are seeking out top firms to fight their high-stakes political battles, according to leaders from Washington's fastest-growing lobby practices.

WaMu Settles $4B Dispute With JPMorgan: Report

Washington Mutual Inc. has reportedly reached a settlement that will allow it to claim $4 billion in deposits that were also claimed by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., which instead will receive shares of expected WaMu tax refunds.

Jury Hands Widow $17.5M In RJ Reynolds Suit

A Florida jury has reportedly directed R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. to shell out $17.5 million in damages to a woman whose husband died of lung cancer after smoking for 38 years.

IP Boutique Darby & Darby To Close Down

Boutique intellectual property firm Darby & Darby PC on Friday announced plans to dissolve, following the recent departure of several high-profile partners.

Calif., Conn. Prosecutors Join In Frenzy Against Toyota

Government prosecutors have hit Toyota Motor Corp., already facing dozens of class actions associated with a spate of safety recalls, with a civil suit in California and an investigation in Connecticut.

Whirlpool Wins $1.8M In Fridge Patent Suit With LG

A federal jury has awarded Whirlpool Corp. $1.8 million in a dispute with LG Electronics USA Inc. over patents for an in-the-door ice system for side-by-side refrigerators, according to the companies.

FTC May Probe Google's $750M AdMob Acquisition

The Federal Trade Commission has reportedly begun looking into the possible antitrust implications of Google Inc.'s proposed $750 million acquisition of mobile display advertising technology provider AdMob Inc., issuing subpoenas to several advertisers and software developers.

Chevron, Ecuador Dispute Can Be Arbitrated: Judge

A federal judge has cleared the way for Chevron Corp. to proceed with an international arbitration dispute with Ecuador stemming from an Ecuadorean suit that alleges the oil giant owes $27 billion for environmental damage in the Amazon.